Trump hits media, honors veterans in first 4th of July speech as president – The Hill

President Trump used his first 4th of July speech in office on Saturday to honor veterans, and continue to hit the media.

“The fake media tried to stop us from going to the White House, but I’m president and they’re not,” Trump said, headlining the Celebrate Freedom Concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

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“The fact is the press destroyed themselves because they went too far. Instead of being subtle and smart, they used the hatchet and the people saw it right from the beginning,” he continued.

“The dishonest media will not stop us from accomplishing our objectives on behalf of the American people. Their agenda is not your agenda,” he said rallying his supporters.

Trump’s comments come after he has intensified his attacks on the news media over the past week, going as far to launch a highly personal attack on MSNBC host Mika Brzezinski, calling her “crazy” and “low I.Q,” as well as claiming she was bleeding from a facelift over New Years Eve at Mar-a-Lago last year.

“The fact is the press destroyed themselves because they went too far. Instead of being subtle and smart, they used the hatchet and the people saw it right from the beginning,” he said.

The president did address issues related to military members and their families, referencing the recently signed Veterans Accountability Act.

“There is no place I would rather be than with you,” he said to the majority military audience.

Trump said past administrations had failed to address the problems with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, touting his move to create the Veterans Accountability Act.”

“[Now] you can finally say you’re fired,” Trump said praising the act. “I was left a mess, the fact is, but we’re cleaning it up. You watch,”

The president flew from his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey to the event, and returned after his address.